28062 (2025). Debbie Ngarewa-Packer to the Minister for Māori Development

28062 (2025). Debbie Ngarewa-Packer to the Minister for Māori Development: Further to WPQ 22817 (2025) How does the Minister intend to ensure that Māori voices are included in the process of amending the scope, purpose, and nature of the Waitangi Tribunal review?

Hon Tama Potaka: Further to WPQ 22817 (2025), I am advised that decisions regarding the scope, purpose, and nature of the Review of the Treaty of Waitangi Act 1975 were set out in the Terms of Reference approved prior to the commencement of the Review. The Independent Technical Advisory Group (ITAG) is responsible for leading the Review independently of Ministers and government agencies. I am advised that it has full discretion to test, refine, or comment on any aspect of the Act within the parameters of the Terms of Reference. As part of this, the ITAG is undertaking targeted engagement with Māori to inform its advice. Māori voices will therefore be reflected through the ITAG’s engagement process and in the development of its independent recommendations. The Government will consider any advice it receives from the ITAG in due course.